Maha govt move to boost public transport

State government approves transit-oriented growth plan along public transport corridors

Dignitaries at the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in Mumbai on Friday.(Bhushan Koyande)

The state government has given in-principle approval to the transit-oriented development (TOD) plan along the public transport corridors.

Metropolitan commissioner UPS Madan made the statement on Friday in a discussion on urban transport during the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in Mumbai.

TOD is an approach to bring area surrounding transit corridor under mixed-use of residential and commercial development to maximise access to public transport.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has already submitted the TOD plan along the Metro One and Monorail to be enforced in 500-meters area, to the state government. Under its TOD plan, the MMRDA aims to encourage “Walk to Work” concept by allowing residential development by allotting floor space index (FSI) of 4. The premium charged by it on higher FSI allocation is planned to be used on developing infrastructure projects in the city.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had faced severe criticism from experts and activists last year after it proposed FSI of 5 to 8 in congested areas along the SV road, Link Road under TOD in the draft development plan 2034.

It was said higher FSIs without any strategy would lead to reckless vertical growth in the area and subsequent congestion. The DP was scrapped later, with orders to revise it.

On the need to have proper integration of various transport modes, Diego said the Brazilian authorities have started taking steps to encourage public transport mode especially Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) in Rio de Janeiro with integration of various modes of transport.

Sahai said there was need to have legislation for the TOD in India.

“In addition, we will have to take people into confidence if we want them to be a part of the TOD. We need to have major share for low-cost housing, public places and offices in highly congested areas. In addition, we should provide facilities beyond TOD areas.”